Brownback’s campaign rhetoric turned against him

Brownback

Brownback

Gov. Sam Brownback’s campaign rhetoric is being used against him as he cuts state spending to close a budget shortfall. Twitter users noted how Brownback’s claims about increased state funding for K-12 education were based in part on counting state pension contributions. Therefore, using that logic, Brownback’s reduction of $41 million in pension funding counts as an education funding cut. Others contrasted Brownback’s campaign commercial about how “the sun is shining in Kansas” with the grim financial reality. A Kansas.com reader posted a comment expressing gratitude that the sun is shining, given that Brownback wants to take $96 million from the highway fund: “You’ll need the sun to see the potholes. Don’t drive at night.” – PhillipBrownlee

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As the governor, a skilled legislative veteran, prepared to deliver Kansas’ State of the State address, the multiple demands for state funding loomed large. The Supreme Court had mandated substantial additional monies for a critical state function. The highway fund was scraping bottom, placing Kansas’ reputation for excellent roads at risk. Moreover, the governor faced the implications of federal tax laws changes, which provided the state with so-called windfall revenue at the expense of taxpayers.